All red to remember our troops

SHE’S painted the town red! Forces gran Norma Johnson’s campaign to get us all to wear red every Friday to remember our troops is proving a real winner. Patriotic Norma, 74, from Godley, whose 19-year-old grandson is serving in Afghanistan, contacted the Advertiser last week to launch her Red Fridays cause – and how people have responded.

Sheryl, who run the Kings Head pub in Droylsden, with husband Ronnie and daughter Jodie.

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SHE’S painted the town red!

Forces gran Norma Johnson’s campaign to get us all to wear red every Friday to remember our troops is proving a real winner.

Patriotic Norma, 74, from Godley, whose 19-year-old grandson is serving in Afghanistan, contacted the Advertiser last week to launch her Red Fridays cause – and how people have responded. Scores have backed the campaign, along with Tameside’s MPs Andrew Gwynne, James Purnell and David Heyes.

Mr Heyes, wearing his red T-shirt last Friday, said: "Whether or not you support us having troops in Afghanistan, and personally I have got my doubts about that, this is a way of showing our troops they have our full support and we’re thinking of them."

Mr Purnell said: "Our armed forces show extreme bravery and dedication. We can be immensely proud of the contribution they make every day. Many people want to show support and respect for those serving overseas. This idea of introducing Red Fridays to Tameside offers an opportunity to do so."

And Mr Gwynne said: "Serving members of the armed forces and veterans should be immensely proud of the contribution they have made to the security of our nation. A security that allows all of us to live our lives in freedom – something we take for granted but is purchased at a high price by our surviving veterans and those who serve so bravely on operations overseas today. All deserve our respect and recognition for helping to protect us from harm. I am committed to continuing to improve the support we give to serving personnel and veterans, to whom we owe so much."

Norma, who has been inundated with messages of support, said: "I’m so pleased with how it’s gone. I’ve had lots of calls from really nice people. Its been great – I will keep campaigning and spreading the word. I’ve sent a copy of the Advertiser to my grandson in Afghanistan so he can see what we’re doing. From now on, we’ll be thinking of the troops every Friday. Our love goes out to them all."

Norma’s pals down at the Village health club in Hyde also wore red to back the cause – as has Andy Crane on his Channel M news show.